This is a story of migration. But it is not only about leaving a country, but also about rebuilding a life, understanding a culture and discovering the language of love…

Adnan Cansoy was born in a small town in Turkey and grew up with machines. When he made that big decision that would change his life, he did not know that he would meet calligraphy at a temple in Japan, nor that their paths would cross with that elegant smile.

Shizuka Takamuro… A woman who comes from tea ceremonies, ink-scented writings and soft conversations. She tells with her silence, teaches with her patience.

This story is a journey from Bozüyük to Kyoto, from lathe to calligraphy, from holiday buns to sakura blossoms.

And a family born on that journey… A warm world where Hiro and Mina grow up between two cultures and search for their own identities.

Neighbors whispering in a village, “What is our Adnan doing among these Japanese people?”

“How do you know three languages?” in a school friends who look on in admiration…

And that moment when Mina turns to her mother one day and says:
“There is someone in my life… And I want to introduce him to you.”

Spring has come. The sakura trees are in bloom. Adnan and Shizuka stop under a tree while walking in the park. As the petals fall on them, Adnan musters up his courage and tells her in Turkish, "I love you." Shizuka pauses, then slowly responds in Japanese, "Watashi mo anata o aishiteimasu." This confession blossoms in their hearts in silent celebration.


Chapter 19 - First Spring, First Love